KTT Darling vs. Outemu Milk Tea
An in-depth look at the KTT Darling and the Outemu Milk Tea switches—which one is the best fit for you?
Overview
When comparing the KTT Darling linear switch to the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, there are distinct differences to take note of. The Darling offers a typing experience that is both chewy and substantial, with a pronounced bounciness that adds a springy responsiveness to each keystroke. Its high-pitched and resonant sound upon bottoming out provides a satisfying blend of tactile and auditory feedback. On the other hand, the Milk Tea switch does not have any specific standout features mentioned, leaving its typing sensation open to interpretation. If you prefer a switch that is bouncy, clacky, and delivers a high-pitched sound, the Darling may be the right choice for you. However, let's dive in a bit deeper beyond generalities so you can best decide on the best switch for you.
By the numbers
Technical specifications
Actuation force
45g
Actuation force
45g
Bottom-out force
53g
Bottom-out force
N/A
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Pre-travel
2.00 mm
Total travel
3.50 mm
Total travel
4.00 mm
Factory lubed
Yes
Factory lubed
Yes
Stem construction
Standard
Stem construction
Partial box
Stem material
POM
Stem material
POM
Top housing material
Polycarbonate
Top housing material
Ly
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Bottom housing material
Nylon
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Mount type
PCB (5-pin)
Spring
Stainless steel
Spring
Stainless steel
Housing materials
The housing materials of the KTT Darling and the Outemu Milk Tea offer distinct characteristics that influence the sound profile and feel of the switches. Both switches feature polycarbonate top housings, which result in a sharper and crisper sound profile due to the material's stiffness. However, the Darling's polycarbonate top housing is noted for creating a higher-pitched sound, while the Milk Tea's Ly top housing provides a bright sound signature with resonant clacks during typing. In terms of aesthetics, the translucency of polycarbonate is ideal for switches with RGB lighting, offering a visually appealing element to the Darling switch.
On the other hand, the nylon bottom housings of both switches play a crucial role in producing a deeper and fuller sound profile. Nylon is known for being a softer plastic that absorbs more sound, resulting in a duller and rounder sound compared to harder plastics. The qualities of the nylon bottom housing are felt more prominently during bottom-out sound and feel when typing on the switches. Despite the similar material used for the bottom housing in both switches, the differences in the top housings contribute to distinct sound signatures for the Darling and Milk Tea switches.
Ultimately, the choice of housing materials for the KTT Darling and Outemu Milk Tea switches highlights how different materials can impact the overall typing experience. While both switches feature nylon bottom housings for a deeper sound profile, the contrasting polycarbonate and Ly top housings create unique sound signatures. Whether you prefer the sharper, higher-pitched sound of the Darling's polycarbonate top housing or the bright, resonant clacks of the Milk Tea's Ly top housing, the combination of materials in each switch offers a diverse typing experience for mechanical keyboard enthusiasts.
Weight
The actuation force and bottom out force of the KTT Darling linear switch and the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch show some differences. The actuation force of both switches is the same, set at 45 grams, which means users will get a similar response when typing on either switch. However, the bottom out force of the Darling is 53 grams, indicating a slightly heavier touch compared to the Milk Tea, where the bottom out force is unknown. This suggests that the Darling switch may provide a slightly more substantial typing experience than the Milk Tea. For those who prefer a lighter touch, the Milk Tea may be the better option for longer typing sessions or gaming. In contrast, the Darling switch might be more suitable for those who prefer a bit more resistance in their keystrokes.
Travel distance
The KTT Darling linear switch has a travel distance of 3.5 mm, while the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch has a travel distance of 4 mm. In this case, the Milk Tea has a longer travel distance compared to the Darling. The Darling's shorter travel distance may appeal to gamers looking for faster response times, while the Milk Tea's longer travel distance might be preferred by those who enjoy a more substantial keypress feel. Both switches provide different tactile experiences due to their varying travel distances, so it ultimately comes down to personal preference.
Price comparison
Which switch is more bang for your buck?
The KTT Darling has an MSRP of $4.50 per 10 switches. At Milktooth, we are able to pass on savings to our customers and offer the Darling for $3.90.
The Outemu Milk Tea comes in at $3.10 per 10 switches.
Here at Milktooth, we offer the best prices on switches (on average, 27% lower the competition). In addition, we offer free shipping on orders over $49.00. We also offer free returns and exchanges, so you can shop with guaranteed satisfaction.
That said, while price is an important piece of the puzzle, our opinion is that you should ultimately pick the option that most suits your unique preferences since you’ll be using these switches for years to come. In other words, finding something perfect for you is, in our view, the most important criteria.
Typing experience
When it comes to sound, the KTT Darling linear switch stands out for its clacky, high-pitched, and resonant characteristics, creating a sharp and crisp typing experience that is both engaging and satisfying. On the other hand, the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch's sound profile is unknown, so it's hard to make a direct comparison in this aspect. However, it's important to note that the sound produced by a switch can also be influenced by the keyboard layout, keycaps, and overall build of the keyboard.
Moving on to the feel of the switches, the KTT Darling linear switch is known for its bouncy feedback, providing a spring-like sensation with each keystroke that adds a level of liveliness to the typing experience. Unfortunately, the tactile feel of the Outemu Milk Tea switch is not described, leaving us with a gap in information to make a direct comparison.
In conclusion, the KTT Darling linear switch offers a unique combination of chewy and substantial typing sensation, along with a bouncy feedback and resonant, high-pitched sound profile. While the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch may also provide a satisfying typing experience, the lack of information on its sound and feel makes it difficult to draw a direct comparison. If you prefer the qualities exhibited by the Darling switch, it's likely that you will get similar results in terms of sound and feel. Ultimately, the best switch for you will depend on your personal preferences and typing style.
Conclusion
To sum up, when considering whether to choose the KTT Darling linear switch or the Outemu Milk Tea tactile switch, it ultimately comes down to your personal preferences and typing style. If you enjoy a medium-light bottom out force with a chewy and substantial typing sensation, along with a bouncy and responsive feel, then the KTT Darling may be the ideal choice for you. Additionally, if you prefer a clacky, high-pitched, and resonant sound profile while typing, the Darling switch delivers on that front as well. On the other hand, if you are looking for a switch with a bottom out force of None grams and tactile feedback that is not described in the given information, the Outemu Milk Tea might be worth considering. Ultimately, the decision between these two switches will depend on what factors are most important to you in a mechanical keyboard switch.
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